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Is Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University worth it?
A first pass affordability and outcome read for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State, using national average inputs. Run your own numbers for a personalized score.
Worth-It Score
Affordable
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State lands in the affordable band for a typical family. Graduates earn a median of $81,698 ten years after enrolling, and that makes the median debt of $21,500 more manageable than it looks at first glance. For context, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State's net price sits about 69% above the typical 4-year, public school and near the top of its sector range. On the numbers alone, this school clears the bar comfortably.
Is the price fair?
Compared to 774 similar 4-year, public schools
This school
$22,205
/yrAverage school like this
$13,155
/yrThis significantly impacts your Worth-It Score
You'd pay about $9,051 more per year than the typical student at a similar school. Over 4 years that's roughly $36,000 in extra cost.
Score breakdown
The public version of the score weighs affordability, after graduation outcomes, and repayment burden.
Affordability
40% weight
The yearly net price sits in a range that leaves more room for family cash flow and lower borrowing.
Outcome
40% weight
Graduation and earnings data create a stronger long-run payoff picture.
Repayment
20% weight
Median debt stays in a more comfortable repayment range for a typical graduate.
The numbers behind the score
Median net price per year
$24,953
Median earnings 10 years out
$81,698
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
Graduation rate
86%
At Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State, a typical graduate carries about $21,500 in student debt and earns roughly $81,698 ten years after enrolling. On a standard 10-year repayment plan, that works out to about $244 per month, or 4% of pre-tax income. That sits inside a borrower comfort range for many graduates.
What this means for your family
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State is a public four year school in Blacksburg, VA. For many families, the key question is whether the published value here beats cheaper in state or regional alternatives once your real aid offer arrives.
Similar schools worth comparing
These schools share a similar sector, geography, or price range.
Public 4-year
Virginia Commonwealth
Richmond, VA
Worth-It Score: 61/100
Median net price: $23,433
Public 4-year
James Madison
Harrisonburg, VA
Worth-It Score: 77/100
Median net price: $23,322
Public 4-year
Christopher Newport
Newport News, VA
Worth-It Score: 67/100
Median net price: $23,015
Public 4-year
University of Virginia-
Charlottesville, VA
Worth-It Score: 92/100
Median net price: $21,565
Public 4-year
University of Mary Washington
Fredericksburg, VA
Worth-It Score: 67/100
Median net price: $20,667
Common questions about Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State
The median net price at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State is $24,953 per year. That is the average yearly price after typical grant aid for students in the public federal data, not the published sticker price.
Get your personalized Worth-It score
National averages are a starting point. Plug in your actual aid offer, intended major, and family situation to get a score that reflects your specific picture.
Looking at public universities options in Virginia? See the most affordable public universities in Virginia →
The Worth-It Score weighs affordability (40%), after graduation outcomes (40%), and repayment burden (20%). Underlying data points come from publicly available federal higher education reporting. See full methodology →